Medical laboratory personnel education program

The Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 778 (42 U.S.C. 295f–3) the following: 779. Medical laboratory personnel education program (a) In general The Secretary may make grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities that the Secretary has determined are capable of carrying out such grant or contract— (1) to plan, develop, operate, or participate in an accredited medical laboratory professional education program that awards an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree or certificate; and (2) to recruit, train, and develop faculty for such program. (b) Priorities in making awards In awarding grants and contracts under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that— (1) utilize innovative approaches to clinical teaching; (2) are committed to training individuals from rural, underrepresented, or disadvantaged backgrounds; (3) teach collaboration among health professionals; or (4) provide training in cultural competency and health literacy. (c) Duration of awards A grant or contract awarded under this subsection shall be for a period of 3 years. (d) Eligible entity defined In this section, the term eligible entity means an accredited nonprofit hospital, school of allied health, or nonprofit entity that sponsors accredited internship programs required for professional certification. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $25,000,000 for the first full fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) such sums as may be necessary for subsequent fiscal years..